First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness sign the copy of the document ‘A Fresh Start – The Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan’ pictured at Stormont Castle where they also held a news conference this afternoon.
Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

AFTER ten weeks of negotiations, the DUP, Sinn Fein and the two governments have brokered a new Stormont deal.

First Minister Peter Robinson said:

“At the outset of this process I indicated that we needed to make Stormont fit for purpose and to secure an agreement that would deliver a stable and long-term basis upon which to operate.

“I believe we have secured that outcome.

“Today represents another milestone along the way as we normalise and build our society.

“We must ensure that through co-operation and common purpose the spirit, vision and promise of the document is fulfilled.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “At the heart of this agreement is our common commitment to a better future for all of our people.

“Peter and I are at one in our determination to defend core public services, to continue to attract foreign direct investment, support indigenous businesses and to provide more and better jobs.

“The legacy of the past remains a huge gap in this work. The onus remains on the British government to live up to their responsibilities to victims, in particular full disclosure.”